Medicinal Health Benefits of Cannabis

05-01-2017

By Chikitsa

The consumption of cannabis is considered a controversial topic, as we are aware of its adverse effects on one’s health. On the other hand, medicinal values of cannabis have resulted in a breakthrough which has come as a shock to medical science. However, there is still debate on the legalization of weed as some argue that it is safer than other forms of substance abuse. It has been used since the 2727 B.C., where it was considered an important part of Chinese medicine and its uses in food, textile and a healing agent since 12 B.C. Marijuana does have its side effects, but it is also considered useful for its benefits to public health.

1. Weight Loss

Studies on medicinal values of cannabis by the University of Nebraska, the Harvard School of Public Health and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre have discovered that those who smoke pot on a regular basis are known to be skinnier than non-smokers. Studies have also found out that those who smoke are seen to have a smaller waist circumference compared to those who don’t use marijuana. Smokers burn up to 6000 calories while consuming marijuana, and the regulation of insulin also helps them to control their sugar levels and manage calorie intake.

2. Prevent Diabetes

Cannabis regulates body weight and insulin levels, which helps in controlling Type 2 diabetes. The science behind this– an ingredient called tetrahydrocannabinol helps the body absorb insulin, which lowers levels by 16 per cent and reduces insulin-resistance levels by 17 per cent as compared to non-marijuana users. Smokers have also reported that only current users experience the benefits of cannabis, and that insulin resistance occurred after discontinued use.

3. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Smoking pot in small doses can improve the person’s mood and act as a sedative. Calming down the person’s mind lessens stress reducing symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. These studies were supplemented by the Harvard Medical School, which proved that cannabis restores endocannabinoid that stabilizes moods and cures depression. Also be seen by those suffering from PTSD and nightmares by interrupting REM sleep.

4. It Treats Glaucoma

The medicinal values of Marijuana was shown to have a breakthrough when it was discovered that ingesting cannabis, whether orally, intravenously or by inhaling can help prevent blindness due to glaucoma. Doctors have put the reason as decreasing pressure on the eyeball, which gives temporary relief. Marijuana also helps slow down the progression of glaucoma, which can prevent blindness. Marijuana decreases the pressure inside the eye, according to research. In fact, the National Eye Institute states: "Studies in the early 1970s showed that marijuana, when smoked, lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with normal pressure and those with glaucoma."

5. Stops Cancer from Spreading

A study in 2012 has found out that cannabis prevents cancer from spreading. This study hasn’t been the first of its kind, as researchers in U.K. have successfully killed cancer cells in leukemia patients using marijuana. According to the journal ‘Molecular Cancer Therapeutics’, marijuana turns off the gene called Id-1 and destroys cancer cells.

6. Cures Migraine and Headaches

Common headaches and migraine are a common problem in today’s world and the medicines such as Tylenol and Advil can lead to ulcers, liver damage and other complications. Cannabis has many anti-inflammatory properties that assists in pain relief. The effects of marijuana are said to be as more powerful than aspirin. Marijuana is also useful in treating conditions such as sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and migraines.

7. Decreases the Progression of Alzheimer’s Diseases

A 2006 study in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics found that marijuana contains THC, an active chemical blocks the enzyme in the brain helping to kill cancer cells. Marijuana helps to induce more sleep and reduce pain and inflammation in the case of rheumatoid arthritis.

8. Spurs Creativity in The Brain

Marijuana was thought to dull one’s brain once upon the time, but also helps to induce creativity in the brain. Short-term memories often function worse when intoxicated, some others can come up idea out of the box. Some other studies have proved that people who smoke pot in small doses can improve verbal fluency and the ability to have a different perspective on things.

Despite the medicinal values, the side effects of cannabis cannot be ignored such as dizziness, increased appetite, memory impairment and even depression. However, if you’re looking for medical marijuana, you can contact Ayurveda Specialists in Ahmedabad or Ayurveda Hospitals in Ahmedabad to discuss your medical specifications and the efficiency of taking the aid of marijuana.